By Shane Callaghan

The 29-year-old striker insists second place does not hinge on who comes out victorious in Sunday's showdown with Milan

Napoli striker Goran Pandev does not believe the upcoming clash with AC Milan will prove decisive in the race to finish second in Serie A.

The Partenopei travel to San Siro on Sunday knowing victory would open up a seven-point gap between themselves and third-placed Milan, making them hot favourites to consolidate their position with eight games remaining.

Pandev, however, does not subscribe to the theory that the result will dictate who snatches the runners-up spot.

Speaking to reporters after Napoli's 2-0 victory over Genoa, the Macedonia international said: "We have to fight until the end.

"We are expecting many difficult games from now until the end of the season.

"We know that Milan are a strong team and we will give our best to beat them, but I do not think the challenge of Milan will determine everything."